Lamb korma
A rich and creamy Indian curry with lamb cooked in a sauce made from yogurt, cream, and a blend of spices including cardamom and cloves.
- 2 lbs 900g lamb shoulder or leg, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch piece of ginger minced
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ground almonds or almond flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon ground red chili adjust to taste
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced almonds
Marinate the Lamb:
In a bowl, mix the lamb chunks with the yogurt, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground turmeric, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably longer, in the refrigerator.
Prepare the Spice Base:
Heat the oil or ghee in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Add Ground Almonds and Cream:
Simmer the Korma:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the korma simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally and add a bit of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Finish with Garam Masala:
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the whole spices (cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf) before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced almonds if using.